DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View University Head Football Coach, E.J. Peterson, announced on Monday the promotion of Tyler Martin to Defensive Coordinator for the Grand View University football team.

Martin, a veteran of the Grand View University football program, has been the Defensive Backs coach and Special Teams Coordinator for 12 seasons. In the 2024 season, he played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most dominant defenses in NAIA history, working alongside former Defensive Coordinator and current Head Coach E.J. Peterson.

Under Martin's leadership, the secondary was exceptional, tallying 13 interceptions and finishing first in the nation in several defensive categories: passing yards allowed (146.9), rushing yards allowed (73.0), and points allowed per game (8.4). During postseason play, Grand View's defense was nearly impenetrable, surrendering just five touchdowns across four games and holding opponents to a mere 22% third-down conversion rate.

Throughout Martin's tenure, Grand View has produced eleven All-Americans, including standout performers like 4x All-American kicker Nathan Hamilton and 2x All-American Dallis Flowers, who went on to play in the NFL. In 2021, Martin's exceptional contributions were recognized when he was named the Heart of America Assistant Coach of the Year, a season that saw the team advance to the national title game.

A native of Bendena, KS, Martin was a dual-sport athlete at Northwest Missouri State, excelling in both football and track. As a Bearcat, he played or coached in five consecutive NCAA Division II National Championship games, winning the title in 2009.

Before joining Grand View, Martin spent a brief stint at Dodge City Community College in 2010 as the Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. Prior to that, he served as a graduate assistant at Northwest Missouri State, coaching safeties and outside linebackers.

Martin earned his bachelor's degree in public relations from Northwest in 2006 and his master's degree in athletic administration in 2009.

"TMart and I have worked closely together on the defense for the past six years, and I've seen his dedication and expertise firsthand. I'm excited to see him step into the lead role and make it his own, building on the strong foundation we've created together," said head coach E.J. Peterson.

"Grand View has played a significant role in my family's life over the past 12 years. I'm deeply honored and excited to follow in the footsteps of Coach Peterson, who has built some of the nation's most formidable defenses during his tenure as defensive coordinator. I can't wait to get to work this offseason and continue building on the strong foundation he's established," said coach Martin.

Martin will begin his career as a Defensive Coordinator under head coach E.J. Peterson, effective immediately.

THE TMART FILE
Birthdate: April 27th, 1984
Hometown: Bendena, KS
Family: Wife Steph, and children Maddie, Case and Will

Education
Bachelor's Degree, Public Relations, Northwest Missouri State, 2008
Master's Degree, Athletic Administration, Northwest Missouri State, 2009

Coaching Career
Defensive Coordinator, Grand View University, 2025-current
Special Teams Coord./Defensive Backs Coach, Grand View University, 2012-2024
Special Teams Coord./Defensive Backs Coach, Dodge City CC, 2010-2011
Grad, Asst./Safeties/LBs, Northwest Missouri State, 2006-2009

Coaching Accomplishments
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference champions (DBs/Special Teams Asst. Coach)… 2013 & 2024 National Champions (DBs/Special Teams Asst. Coach), 2021 National Championship Runner-Ups (DBs/Special Teams Asst. Coach), Undefeated through six straight seasons in the Heart of America

THE FACTS ON TMART
16 years of college coaching experience
3 seasons at the NCAA level
2 National Titles 
1 Runner-Up
11 All-Americans
1 NFL CB
13 Interceptions in 2024
146.9 Passing Y/G, No. 1 in the Nation  
Coached the DII National Player of the Year
Midwestern-born and bred
 
TMART'S PLAYING CAREER
NCAA DII NWMSU Dual Sport Athlete